Argentine President Javier Milei has announced that he will not travel to New Jersey to attend Sunday's FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, choosing instead to watch the match from his official residence in Buenos Aires due to a long-held superstition. Speaking on Thursday, Milei said he believes maintaining the same routine that has accompanied Argentina's successful World Cup campaign is the best way to support the defending champions. The President explained that he has watched all seven of Argentina's previous matches from home and intends to do the same for the final.

Milei made the remarks during an interview with Buenos Aires-based radio station El Observador, where he dismissed suggestions that he would join US President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the championship match. "No way," Milei said when asked whether he would travel to the United States. Instead, he confirmed he would remain at the presidential residence in Olivos, following the same routine he has observed throughout Argentina's unbeaten run in the tournament.

The Argentine leader also revealed another personal ritual that he believes has brought his team good fortune. He said he has been wearing the same heavy oil company-branded jacket during every Argentina match. According to Milei, he briefly removed the jacket during the game against Switzerland because of the heat, only to see Argentina concede a goal shortly afterwards. He immediately put the jacket back on and has continued wearing it for every match since, viewing it as part of the team's winning formula.

Also Read: FIFA World Cup Trophy Still Eludes Every Continent Except Europe And South America

Superstitions, known in Argentina as "cábalas," have long been an important part of the country's football culture. Many supporters strictly follow personal rituals during major tournaments, believing they influence the fortunes of the national team. Fans often wear the same jersey without washing it, watch matches from the same seat or room, or repeat specific actions if Argentina wins. During the current World Cup, one widely circulated video showed supporters reading passages from the Bible after Argentina began scoring in a match, prompting them to continue the ritual throughout the tournament.

The tradition extends beyond ordinary supporters and has influenced political leaders as well. Argentine presidents have generally avoided attending crucial World Cup matches since the 1990 FIFA World Cup, when then-President Carlos Menem visited the national squad shortly before Argentina suffered a shock defeat to Cameroon in the tournament opener. Many fans subsequently labelled Menem a "mufa," or jinx, and no sitting Argentine president is known to have attended a World Cup match involving the national team since then.

Argentina will now attempt to defend its FIFA World Cup title against Spain in one of the most anticipated finals in recent history. While world leaders, football officials and thousands of supporters are expected to gather at the stadium in New Jersey, Milei will remain in Buenos Aires, convinced that preserving his match-day rituals offers Argentina its best chance of lifting a second consecutive World Cup trophy. His decision reflects the deep-rooted role that football traditions and superstitions continue to play in Argentine sporting culture.

Also Read: Mbappe and Messi Tied on Eight Goals as Golden Boot Race Continues